Although it is often said that there are no easy games in the Premier League, Roberto Martinez will be pleased that the first three fixtures of Norwich, Cardiff and West Bromwich Albion give him a good chance of getting early points on the board.

Newly promoted Cardiff will be Everton’s first home game while Martinez’s first real test comes at home against Chelsea on 14th September. Fans will have to wait until November for the first Merseyside Derby of the season with Everton entertaining Liverpool at home on 23rd November.  They will have to wait even longer to see David Moyes face his former club with Everton set to face Manchester United away in December.

The notoriously difficult Christmas period should hold no fear for Martinez’s men this season with Everton playing teams that are unlikely to be in or around the top six places with Sunderland at Goodison on Boxing Day being the highlight.

Myers has worked for Sky Sports News for over a decade but was part of the staff who initially established the communications department at Everton in 1996. He is a lifelong Evertonian and replaces the largely unpopular Paul Tyrell who appears to have left the club with little fanfare or comment.

He claims his first priority is to, “engage with fans” citing the redesign of the club crest as an example.

Some 18 months since Ian Ross left Everton Football Club, the Blues have appointed a full-time replacement in the shape of former Sky Sports and Radio Merseyside presenter, Alan Myers.

Myers will be no stranger to the set-up at Everton after playing a major role in setting up the communications department between 1996 and 2001, and replaces the freelance stand in for Ian Ross, Paul Tyrrell.  Tyrrell’s services are thought to be surplus to requirements after a document he drafted while working for Liverpool Football Club was made public, in which he labelled a section of their fans as being akin to the khmer rouge.

Chief Executive Robert Elstone said: “Alan has been a long-time friend of the Club and it is great to welcome him back to Goodison. Talking and listening to our fans is something we pride ourselves on and Alan’s expertise and knowledge will ensure the Club’s dialogue with its fans continues to grow.

“I’m also certain that his experiences at BSkyB alongside his passion for the Club will bring great benefit to our existing Communications team and all his new colleagues at Goodison.

“As we enter a new era for the Club in 2013/14, Alan will be tasked with heading up our experienced Media and Communications team alongside providing strategic leadership, guidance and support as part of our Senior Executive team.”

Alan said: “To say I am thrilled to return to Everton is a huge understatement, the Football Club is a massive part of my life and I am honoured to be part of such a great team both on and off the field.

“I cannot wait to get started and take up what will be a huge challenge but one I am absolutely relishing. It will be good to return to see a few old faces alongside some new ones!

“There is lots of work to undertake in the short, medium and long term and one of my first priorities will be to work with our fanbase directly on the 2014/15 Club Crest.

“As our fans know, our Chief Executive has said that the next crest will be developed by Evertonians for Evertonians and I am confident we will be able to achieve that goal together.”

He added: “I would also like to thank Sky Sports News for an unforgettable 12 years and look forward to working with them in my new role in the future.”

The Liverpool Echo have said that they understand no bids have been made for Everton’s Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini.

The Blues powerhouse has been linked with several moves since the end of last season, and it is likely that speculation will continue until he either leaves the club or Sky presenters faint as their transfer window countdown clock finally stops.

Having signed from Standard Liege for £15m in 2008, Fellaini has made a name for himself in the Premier League at Everton, and each summer there are the same rumours from the same sources.  This year, however, rather than letting his father make noises about a move away, Fellaini has so far said the right things, telling fans that his “destiny” is with Everton.

Time will tell if any other club is serious about signing Fellaini, but Roberto Martinez didn’t sound too worried during his press conference as he signed for the club.

Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar has confirmed that he will not be making a return to international football after retiring last year.

The South African said, “Retiring from the national team hurt me, but it was a decision I had to make. And I will have to live with it forever.

“I’m 31, turning 32 next year, so I don’t think I will come back. I’m a man of my word and to be honest, my family is very important to me, my kids, I’m happy to spend my time with my them. When there is an international break, I can go on holiday with my kids and that’s important to me. It’s something I have never had for 15 years and now that I do have it, I’m enjoying it and it feels good.

“My mom was upset that I retired because she won’t get to see me play again, but I stand by my decision and no one will force me back into the team. That’s just the kind of person I am.”